TOLEDO, Ohio — Editor's note: The attached video is from an unrelated story that aired on Nov. 1, 2022.
The Jan. 27 application deadline for Toledo School for the Arts (TSA), a public charter school focused on visual and performing arts education, is quickly approaching. In 2021, TSA announced it would be able to accept more students after its expansion.
The downtown Toledo school serves over 700 students with a college preparatory curriculum featuring classes in dance, music, theatre and more. While admission to the school is free, it is limited; there are more applicants annually than there are spots available. To fairly accommodate for the discrepancy, TSA utilizes an "enrollment lottery" to admit students.
How many spots are open?
According to the TSA website, approximately 95 spots are typically offered to incoming sixth graders. Spaces for grades 7-12 are limited, as it is dependent on how many current TSA students choose to re-enroll for the upcoming school year.
For the first time ever, TSA will admit 120 incoming sixth graders and an additional 20 spots will be open to seventh and eighth grade students.
Enrollment is only open to Ohio residents.
How do I apply?
Lottery applications are completed online on the TSA website. Applicants must submit all supporting documents no later than Jan. 27, 2023 at 3 p.m. Supporting documents can be scanned and submitted electronically or dropped off at TSA between 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
After submitting a lottery application, a list of required documents will be generated for the students. While each list may be different, expect to provide documents including immunization records, grade cards, proof of residency, birth certificates, etc.
Students entering grades 7-12 may be required to demonstrate they have taken a high number of arts classes at their current school to qualify.
If the student's application is accepted, they will receive a lottery number.
To apply, click here.
When will TSA post lottery results?
TSA will post lottery results on Feb. 24, 2023 at 5 p.m. The lottery will determine who is invited to the "Next Step Day," as well as who is on a waitlist and in what position.
What is the 'Next Step Day'?
After the lottery is drawn, TSA will invite students to the Next Step Day event to determine a student's suitability for TSA enrollment. The event is by invitation only, and school administrators will schedule appointments individually.
Attendance to Next Step Day is required for admission, should a space become available; however, it does not guarantee admission. The purpose of Next Step Day is to assist in the scheduling process and determine student skill levels.
According to the TSA website, more students are invited than there are spaces available to facilitate the waitlist process.
More information
TSA also hosts "First Fridays" for prospective students. These one-hour open houses showcase student art and feature a tour of the school. For more information, click here.
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